3 Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose

Definitions blur, names are often used interchangeably, but where to stay in Africa during your safari can be broadly split into three categories for the luxury traveler: lodges, luxury tented camps, and mobile camps. Some countries are dominated by one of these, while in others, a safari itinerary could feature a mix of accommodation styles. One common thread is that, whether enjoying the best places to visit in Africa on safari or looking into the best African safari countries and where to go within them, you can expect outstanding service and unique experiences each day of your stay.

Large or small, your experience begins from the moment you arrive at the entrance, where a traditional African greeting awaits. You may find some comforts that remind you of home and for some, the properties are a complete escape to another world. There is a rugged, indelible charm, epitomized by nearby wildlife and the unbroken panoramas across Africa's incredible landscapes and habitats. Rarely flashy or ostentatious, they deliver at the highest level.

Like the mammals that grace the abundant landscapes, there is always something memorable and distinctive about each place at which you stay. While you're basking in majestic Africa, the accommodation is of a quality that makes safari accessible to even the most discerning of visitors. Pampering comes in various styles and where you choose to rest on safari will offer a unique perspective every time. You could say that the accommodation is the great unexpected treat of your experience, especially when paired with our best African safari trips.

With such monumental landscapes, always expect space in individual rooms and the layout of a camp or lodge. Space and seclusion come naturally here, as lodges are carefully situated a secluded distance from each other. Also, expect inimitability. Working with the natural environment, each accommodation looks to offer something unique in style and design. Safari accommodation is the compliment and antidote to a day of exploring, gently pulling you down from the high of the day's adventure.

Safari lodges are classic places to stay, elevating the landscapes' beauty with eternal panoramas and high levels of comfort. They're permanent structures, carefully situated in a prime location, complimented by their environment, and often in lofty positions with commanding views.

Being permanent, this is where you encounter many sumptuous extras, like infinity pools with a view or elegant bar areas and expansive restaurant terraces. As a very broad summary, lodges are a localized version of a hotel or guesthouse, with private bathrooms, spacious restaurants, and extras like swimming pools.

Why Stay at a Safari Game Lodge

• Amenities that most closely resemble a Western-style hotel, particularly with well-appointed bathrooms with standard features and amenities.
• The option for larger groups to stay as lodge sizes range with regard to the number of rooms.
• Much like a hotel, visitors often have the choice of a variety of rooms, with deluxe or honeymoon options.
• Lodges are found all over Africa, in national parks, wilderness areas, and private reserves. They are the most ubiquitous of the continent's accommodation options.

Learn more: Reasons to Stay at a Safari Game Lodge

Luxury tented camps are situated in areas rich with wildlife, permanent or semi-permanent operations catering for an intimate number of guests.

They use canvas tents on solid bases with large beds and private bathrooms, some extending out to a wooden deck with an outdoor shower.

Tents are high enough to stand comfortably in and are equipped with all the finishings you would expect from luxury accommodations.

Why Stay at a Luxury Tented Camp

• Intimate accommodation that caters for a small number of guests, usually situated in prime wildlife areas.
• Continued immersion in the wild, exemplified by regular wildlife encounters and an evocative soundtrack.
• Space and seclusion that's favored by couples and those seeking a more exclusive experience.
• Spacious canvas tents are furnished like a hotel room, with private bathrooms, large beds, and luxury touches.
• Found throughout Africa’s safari circuit in national and private parks and reserves.

Learn more: Reasons to Stay at a Luxury Tented Camp

Mobile tented camps provide the ultimate immersion in the wild, temporary structures catering to just a single group of guests. There's a seductive intimacy, just a couple of large tents amongst miles of abundant landscape.

Some move with the seasons, pitching up in new locations dependent on the rains. Others move every few days, providing exclusive experiences and incumbent thrills. Like luxury tented camps, this is not camping in its traditional sense. Space, comfortable beds, great food, and warm showers are provided deep in the wilderness.

Why Stay at a Mobile Tented Camp

• Ultimate immersion in the wild landscapes of Africa, including intimate encounters with a whole sundry of wildlife.
• Exclusive and secluded, they usually cater to just one group of guests, making them idolized by friends and families seeking adventure
• This could be the only available accommodation on multi-day wilderness safaris, particularly walking and horseback riding safaris.
• Surprisingly high levels of comfort considering the remote location, complemented by a sense of adventure.
• Unique locations far from the regular tourist trail, offering a very personal version of the African landscape.

Learn more: Reasons to Stay at a Mobile Tented Camp

Africa delights in its inimitability, from buffalo herds fighting at dawn to millions of wildebeest rampaging across grass plains. Just like the wildlife that graces the continent, accommodation can be wonderfully distinctive.

Luxury tents hidden deep in nature, a treehouse nestled beneath the stars, or a lodge-style resort inside or outside a game reserve. An assortment of unique and wonderful options provide indelible highlights and continual memoirs of the beauty of an African safari. Learn more about what’s possible with our African safaris or find more information in our African safari guide.